Chapter 22: Little Wolf

"Ah, who made me soft-hearted?"

"After a fierce psychological struggle, Gu Han still decided to take in the little Phantom Water Wolf."

"It wasn't because of the supposed allure of the Phantom Water Wolf King's son."

"Nor was it to unlock the system's war beast feature."

"In Ben Lang Guo, all martial practitioners consider it an honor to contract powerful wolf tribe demon beasts."

"Anyone else would likely find it hard to refuse the temptation of contracting the Phantom Water Wolf King's son."

"But Gu Han is different; he has the Soul Absorption talent, so even an adult Phantom Water Wolf King wouldn't help him much."

"At most, it would only speed up his attribute absorption before he grows up."

"Gu Han decided to adopt the little Phantom Water Wolf mainly because he was moved by the mother and child's feelings."

"All living beings have feelings."

"Even though humans and demon beasts are born enemies, it's a life-or-death relationship."

"Gu Han wouldn't deny such sincere feelings like those of the Phantom Water Wolf mother and child."

"Gu Han also didn't lack the attribute of killing a Phantom Water Wolf; taking it in also lets it witness his growth."

"\"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Little Wolf. \""

"Having made up his mind, Gu Han squatted down and picked up the tender little Phantom Water Wolf."

"\"Ah... \""

"The Phantom Water Wolf, seeing this, let go of its last worry."

"The little Phantom Water Wolf's father was killed in an attack by another tribe; only it escaped with the little Phantom Water Wolf."

"Earlier, when going to the lake, facing the Wave-striding Ox whose strength surpassed it, the Phantom Water Wolf risked serious injury to obtain the Water Element Lotus."

"Not for itself, but so the little Phantom Water Wolf could take the Water Element Lotus from a young age, build a foundation, and later avenge its father."

"Until its death, its only concern was the little Phantom Water Wolf."

"And Gu Han was the most trustworthy person it could find to entrust with."

"After letting out a low growl, the Phantom Water Wolf slowly closed its eyes."

"As the last two tears slid from its eyes, the Phantom Water Wolf finally breathed its last."

"It could die in peace."

"\"Ahwoo~\""

"The little Phantom Water Wolf seemed to sense its mother's passing and let out a soft, babyish wail."

"Gu Han sighed,"

"\"System, form a contract with the little Phantom Water Wolf. \""

"Martial practitioners have three ways to subdue demon beasts."

"First, using Beast Taming Talismans to forcibly subdue demon beasts."

"This is the method most martial practitioners choose, but it often fails due to the beasts' resistance, with limited success rate."

"Second, those great clans or sects raise demon beasts or spirit beasts in a self-built system."

"Raising feelings with demon beasts from youth makes future contracts come naturally."

"This method is usually chosen only by martial practitioners from major powers."

"Third, the hardest way is to gain the demon beast's heartfelt approval."

"But for most demon beasts, even in death they refuse to obey a martial practitioner's commands."

"So this method exists only in theory; at least, Gu Han's previous self had never heard of anyone using it to contract a demon beast."

"However, the little Phantom Water Wolf hasn't grown up yet and doesn't have much opinion of its own."

"Under its mother's persuasion, it is willing to form a contract with Gu Han."

"\"Ding, congratulations host on successfully contracting the Phantom Water Wolf King's cub; you can view its attributes via the Status Panel. \""

"After the contract succeeded, Gu Han felt that his thoughts were in sync with the little Phantom Water Wolf."

"He immediately gave the little Phantom Water Wolf a pleasant name."

"\"From today on, you shall be called Little Wolf. \""

"Gu Han took a piece of roasted wild boar meat from his carry‑on bag."

"Since the hunting grounds moved far from the Logistics Camp, Gu Han only returns to the camp each night."

"During the day, he makes his own fire and barbecues in the wild, which he finds quite pleasant."

"Little Wolf seemed starved for ages; smelling the roasted meat, it almost drooled and eagerly began tearing at the meat."

"Although Little Wolf's teeth aren't fully grown, it can still manage to gnaw this piece of roasted meat."

"Gu Han then opened the little Phantom Water Wolf's panel."

"\"View attributes. \""

"War Beast: Phantom Water Wolf King"

"Strength: Unranked"

"Qi Blood: 10"

"Strength: 8"

"Defense: 8"

"Speed: 10"

"Spirit: 7"

"Racial Skill: Phantom Water Clone (controlling water elements to form a Phantom Water Clone with 10% of the user's strength to assist in battle; the higher the mastery, the stronger the clone and the more clones)"

"Little Wolf's Status Panel is clear and concise."

Given Little Wolf's Unranked strength, being able to have attributes comparable to a newly ranked martial disciple is already not easy.

Moreover, due to its species, Little Wolf also masters the skill that the Phantom Water Wolf once used when facing the Wave-Treading Ox.

If released in advance, it can almost pass as the real thing.

"However, before this proficiency improves, the Phantom Water Clone's attributes are ridiculously low."

Gu Han curled his lips.

10% of the attributes—isn't that just going to feed?

Probably only useful when bullying newbies.

However, Gu Han noticed that the battle pet function can increase the battle pet's bloodline!

Gu Han checked it out.

To raise Little Wolf's bloodline level, it requires 100 Water Elemental Force, 100 monster blood qi, and ten second-rank monster inner cores.

Moreover, he can also use the same things to speed up Little Wolf's growth.

Through the system's introduction, Gu Han learned that heavenly treasures like the Water Element Lotus can be exchanged via the system for elemental force.

This single Water Element Lotus can be exchanged for 30 points of Water Elemental Force.

As for monster blood qi, it is only the blood qi that one-star, seven-rank or higher monsters can brew.

As for how much monster qi blood a single monster can drop, it is currently unknown.

However, Gu Han guesses it certainly won't be high.

"But this monster inner core is damn tricky, huh?"

Seeing this final condition, Gu Han couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

With his current strength, wanting to kill a two-star monster is nothing short of fantasy!

"Forget it, let's just take it step by step."

Gu Han sighed; being able to increase Little Wolf's bloodline through the battle pet function is at least better than Little Wolf falling behind his steps in the future.

"Aooo~"

Just as Gu Han was thinking, a childish wolf howl came from beneath his feet.

Gu Han lowered his head and discovered that Little Wolf, having just finished a piece of grilled meat, was affectionately rubbing its little head against his pant leg.

Gu Han smiled and picked up Little Wolf,

"Still hungry?"

Little Wolf seemed to think for a moment, then cutely tapped its little head.

"Then have another piece of grilled meat."

At this moment, Gu Han was like a parent doting on a child, taking out another piece of grilled meat and letting Little Wolf eat heartily.

As for himself, he squatted down and extended his hand to place it on the Phantom Water Wolf's corpse.

"Don't worry, it won't be long before Little Wolf personally avenges you."